Effect of cropping system, seed treatment and planting date on Striga hermonthica infetstaion and growth and yield of sorghum

Abstract

Striga hermonthica is a serious biotic constraint to sorghum production in sub-Saharan Africa but the use of cropping system, seed treatment and appropriate planting dates might help to control the weed. Two years trial was conducted at the Federal University of Technology Minna research farm. The objective was to evaluate the effect of intercropping system, seed treatment, and planting date in integrated management of S. hermonthica in sorghum. Treatments comprised two varieties of sorghum (resistance ICSV 1002 and susceptible Gwari Local variety), three different concentrations of parkia pulp powder (0, 66 and 100 g/L), soyabean variety TGX 1448-2E and two sowing dates (15 June and 21 July) in two cropping season (2012 and 2013). These were evaluated in a randomized complete block of three replicates. Data in both years were collected on days to first Striga emergence and Striga count per stand of sorghum plant and per plot of sorghum plant, severity score, sorghum plant height and grain yield were collected in both years. The results show that Striga emergence was significantly delayed in sorghum variety ICSV1002, sorghum intercropped with soyabean and sorghum soaked with 66g/L Parkia concentrations compared to other treatments. Striga count was fewer in sorghum variety ICSV1002, sorghum intercropped with soyabean and sorghum soaked with 66 g/L Parkia concentrations compared to other treatment. Severity score, plant height and grain yield showed the same trend as Striga emergence and Striga count. In conclusion, program of integrated Striga control could provide sustainable Striga control